Brussels,

EU FUNDING FOR RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

The Commission page “Funding programmes and open calls” is a gateway that lists the main EU programmes supporting research and innovation projects, with direct links to open and upcoming calls across different policy areas.
What the page covers1) Horizon Europe (the core R&I programme)It highlights Horizon Europe (2021–2027) as the EU’s main research and innovation programme (budget €95.5 billion). The page summarises its goals: tackling climate change, contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, strengthening EU competitiveness and growth, and supporting EU policy-making through collaboration and the spread of excellent knowledge and technologies.

• Horizon Europe overview: https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe_en
• Open & upcoming Horizon Europe calls (Funding & Tenders): https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-search

It also points to previous framework programmes, including Horizon 2020 and FP7-era funding information (archived).

• Horizon 2020: https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-2020_en

2) EU4Health (health-related funding)The page includes EU4Health, implemented by HaDEA, noting its budget (€5.3 billion) and providing links to call management.

• EU4Health programme (HaDEA): https://hadea.ec.europa.eu/programmes/eu4health_en
• HaDEA call management: https://hadea.ec.europa.eu/calls-proposals_en

3) Cohesion / regional development instruments (R&I-relevant funding)It lists funds that can finance R&I indirectly via cohesion and regional development objectives:

• Cohesion Fund (for Member States below 90% of EU average GNI per capita)
• European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), explicitly mentioning investments that include innovation and research

4) LIFE programme (climate, nature, clean energy)It presents the LIFE programme 2021–2027, structured into four sub-programmes (nature & biodiversity; circular economy & quality of life; climate mitigation/adaptation; clean energy transition) and links to calls.

• LIFE programme: https://climate.ec.europa.eu/eu-action/life_en
• LIFE calls (CINEA): https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/programmes/life_en

5) Technical Support InstrumentIt also references the Technical Support Instrument, which provides tailored technical expertise to help Member States implement reforms (useful for R&I system reforms).

• TSI: https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/technical-support-instrument_en

6) European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF)The page notes that over half of EU funding is channelled through ESIF and directs users to the individual fund websites for open calls related to R&I.

• ESIF overview: https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funding/available-budget_en

7) Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS)Finally, it includes the Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS), indicating annual support for projects in coal and steel sectors and linking to open/upcoming calls.

• RFCS: https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/research-fund-coal-and-steel_en
• RFCS calls: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-search

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The EU political goals for 2021-2027

Member countries and European institutions have identified six strategic objectives for 2021-2027::

​1. Environment and climate

To stop the planet from warming, Europe decided the goal of reducing, even eliminating, the use of fossil fuels, and in the meantime reducing energy consumption through better efficiency.

2. Digital

Digital has now entered the life of all things. It is now a question of using it to the fullest to take advantage of it.

The benefit is clear already today and with the evolution of science and the increase of knowledge enormous results can be obtained in all fields of human activities.

However, Europe must invest in its abilities to achieve its own autonomy, being today largely dependent on other countries.
For these reasons, the EU believes that investing in digitzle is a strategic imperative.

3. ​Work and economy

Globalization, digitalization, the expansion of the global market to other nations with emerging economies are transforming the world's economies more and more.

Science can make the circular economy possible, foster the green transition, reduce poverty and give birth to new professions, stimulating significant investments.

4. Public health

Research and innovation play an important role in improving the health of citizens and in defeating diseases. Also to address threats such as pandemics, cancer and rare diseases.

Digital is also an ally of health and Europe intends to invest heavily in the digitization of European health systems.